Families of murdered farmers suffering

[TamilNet, Friday, 03 November 2000, 13:12 GMT]The families of seven Tamil farmers killed by Sinhalese home guards in Eeachilampathai AGA division last month have appealed to the government authorities for financial aid. The families from the Muttur area, south of Trincomalee town, are undergoing undue hardship due to the loss of the family breadwinner, according to the appeal.

The Secretary General of the Tamil United Liberation Front Mr.R.Sampanthan had made a plea to the relevant authorities to pay considerable compensation to these families. But up to now, no action has been taken in this regard, said sources.

These seven farmers including a woman were killed on 2 October while working in a paddy field.

Mr.S.Gunanayagam, a social worker and a Justice of Peace has now appealed to the North-East Governor Major General Asoka Jayawardhene to take prompt steps to compensate the families of the seven farmers as they undergo immense difficulties in running their day to day lives.

Mr.Gunanayagan, in a written appeal to the Provincial Governor, said that it has been proven beyond doubt that home guards were responsible for the killings of the seven farmers.